1989 Mercury Cougar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Mercury Cougar, 11% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car is now toast. It was about 100 miles past its scheduled oil-change/tune up but otherwise has been well-cared-for and was running smoothly. I was driving, and a beeping started. It sounded like it's coming from the center of the car, and the battery light came on warning of very low battery, but no other warning lights. I saw smoke coming out the back (rearview and side mirrors) and it smells like something synthetic is burning (this all happens in seconds time); so, I pull over, park, turn the car off. My friend and I got out of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248214, filed 2008-11, 166,900 miles“Consumer slightly depressed gas pedal while idling and vehicle suddenly accelerated crashing into a retainer wall. Consumer sustained serious injuries. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001375, filed 2002-12, 140,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 2001 | 11 | 13% |
| 2000 | 26 | 12% |
| 1999 | 67 | 15% |
| 1997 | 30 | 39% |
| 1996 | 21 | 34% |
| 1995 | 19 | 17% |
| 1994 | 32 | 23% |
| 1993 | 105 | 54% |
| 1992 | 18 | 20% |
| 1991 | 17 | 23% |
| 1990 | 9 | 10% |
| 1989 | 9 | 11% |
| 1988 | 6 | 11% |
| 1987 | 5 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
| 1984 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Cougar
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology